Robert Tyler Named Nation’s Top-Ranked Sophomore Prospect

Pitcher Robert Tyler (22) during Georgia’s baseball SEC match-up against Tennessee at Foley Field on Saturday, April 12, 2014 in Athens, Ga.

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University of Georgia pitcher Robert Tyler headlines a group of Bulldogs listed among the nation’s top-rated professional baseball prospects, according to Perfect Game USA.

Tyler is ranked No. 1 among the Top 100 College Sophomores list. The rankings are based on a player’s professional potential relative to the Major League Baseball draft. Also, centerfielder Stephen Wrenn checked in at No. 33 on the list of sophomores while pitcher Jared Cheek was No. 50 among the Top 100 seniors.

Tyler, who earned Freshman All-America honors in 2014, led the squad in wins, earned run average and strikeouts. A 6-4, 217-pound native of Cordele, Tyler’s 2.68 ERA was the lowest by a Bulldog starter in 10 seasons. Wrenn, a 6-2, 175-pound native of Marietta, set a school record for an outfielder with a perfect fielding percentage in 171 total chances in 2014. He made 55 starts in centerfield and batted .254 with a team-high 16 stolen bases. Cheek, a 5-11, 184-pound native of Athens, anchored the bullpen with a team-high 11 decisions in 22 appearances. He went 5-6 with a 4.09 ERA and three saves.

Additionally, a pair of first-year Bulldogs made the Top 100 Freshmen rankings. Pitcher Ryan Avidano of Peachtree City and product of Starr’s Mill High School was No. 65 on the list while outfielder Keegan McGovern of Willacoochee and graduate of Coffee High School was No. 81.

The Bulldogs will resume practice on Jan. 23. Georgia’s annual 1st Pitch Banquet will be Jan. 30 at the Classic Center and feature Hall of Fame pitcher John Smoltz.

The 2015 season opens on Feb. 13, and the Bulldogs will play host to Eastern Illinois as part of a three-game series.